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Abu Dhabi to host UAE-India Fest; thousands to attend

Abu Dhabi, Jan 21: India Fest has become a signature event among Abu Dhabi’s Indian community over the years since its inception in 2011. The event is a celebration of the diversity in Indian culture, music and food and brings Indians from across the country together under one roof. India Fest is designed to be a cultural, recreational and educational experience as visitors have the opportunity to see and interact with diverse aspects of India’s deep-rooted culture and heritage.

The three day festival provides an ideal platform for business houses to showcase and sell their products and services ranging from ethnic clothes and jewellery to diverse Indian cuisine. The festival also brings to town renowned regional and international performers who entertain audiences with music and art performances.

In commemoration with the state visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the chief guest of Indian Republic Day on January 26, the event has been renamed as UAE - India Fest Season-7.

This year the UAE India Fest is being celebrated under the patronage of the Indian Embassy, ministry of culture and knowledge development, Abu Dhabi police, the department of municipal affairs and transport in Abu Dhabi and the business community in the UAE. ISC welcomes the association of ministry of culture and knowledge development, Abu Dhabi police and Abu Dhabi city municipality as the strategic partner for the event, whereby their esteemed presence showcases the involvement of government bodies in reaching out to the local communities.

UAE Exchange, Xpress Money has been associated with ISC as the title sponsor for UAE India Fest with a commitment placed since the inception of the event and India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) is grateful for their continued association and expresses their sincere thanks.

They are extremely delighted to have Lulu International Exchange as their main sponsor for UAE India Fest Season 7 and ISC has extended a hearty thanks to them.

Co sponsors of the event are Gemini Building Materials, Lulu Group International, Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty Free, VPS Healthcare, Philips-Gulf Electronics. ISC is grateful to their benevolence extended and express sincere thanks.

Al Masaood Automobiles, has come on board as the mega raffle draw main sponsor by offering a Renault Duster Car for the mega raffle prize for the draw to be conducted on the final day of UAE India Fest- January 28. This is the third occasion ISC is partnering with Al Masaood Automobiles for India Fest and ISC is extremely thankful to them.

In addition to the major raffle prize, 24 other fabulous raffle prizes will be on offer. There will be daily raffles with worthy prizes on the fest days.The associate sponsor of the mega event is International Indian School and ISC expresses sincere thanks to them.

ISC has also the following support sponsors for this mega event:

1. Air India

2. Gemini Properties

3. Ahalia Medical Group

4. Ajanta Jewellers

5. Kings College Hospital London

6. Gargash Insurance

ISC expresses sincere gratitude and thanks to all the sponsors.

UAE India fest Season 7 will have increased number of stalls, better arrangements and variety of quality performances lined up with a strategic improvement on the entire outlook, design and feel of the festival compared to the previous seasons. The cultural shows are envisaged to be unique in presenting the various cultures from across the world.

Highlights of the UAE India Fest Season 7 can be summarized as follows:

1. Trading and exhibition stalls include a variety basket consisting of:

Garments and fashion stores

Travels and tourism

Cosmetics and toys

Book stalls and paintings

Consumer products and pserfume

Banks and exchange houses

Educational institutions

Computer stores

Properties and cargo exhibitors

Building materials etc

The entry tickets are priced at AED 10 valid for all three days and eligible for the mega raffle draw for Renault Duster Car and 24 other fabulous prizes.

2. Over 100 artistes from India and locally are expected to perform the for three days of the fest in addition to the international artistes.

3. Main attractions of the entertainment performances are:

a. Live musical concert by Bollywood playback singer Naresh Iyer and Sharanya Srinivas.

b. Live performance by Cini artiste Lakshmi Gopalaswami

c. Immortal Raaga band performance with Sabreesh Prabhaker

d. Martial arts performances

e. Khaleej Dance, Ayalah Dance, Magic Shows, Tanoora and other performances

f. Lots of entertainment events await the audience on all days

UAE India Fest timing: January 26 from 5.00 pm to 11.30 pm

January 27 from 4.00 pm to 11.30 pm

January 28 from 4.00 pm to 11.30 pm

• The inauguration will be held on January 26 at 8.00 pm and distinguished guests and sponsors will be participating. Several dignitaries including business conglomerates, government Officials local community representatives and esteemed patron and general governors of ISC etc are expected to grace the occasion by their presence at the show. 

It is expected that this year’s UAE India Fest Season 7 would attract a big crowd exceeding 40,000. ISC president M Thomas Varghese stated that they consider it a great honour and privilege to host the UAE India Fest during the Indian state visit period of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan there, by availing the opportunity to show their respect, gratitude and affection. General secretary John P Varghese said, "This year an excellent variety of quality programmes and trade stalls will be in place to transform UAE India Fest Season 7 as a memorable experience".

The meeting was chaired by president M. Thomas Varghese, generl secretary John P Varghese, UAE India Fest convener and vice president, Rajan Zachariah, treasurer Shijil Kumar N K, entertainment secretary Jojo J Ambooken, president UAE Exchange, Sudhir Kumar Shetty, general manager Al Masaood Automobiles, Humayoon Alam, Lulu International Exchange, Ajit Johnson, Philips- Gulf Electronics Suman Palit, VPS Healthcare A Vijay Kumar, Abu Dhabi Big Ticket.